Question

The concept of delegation is not new. In today's health-care environment and the need for cost containment, using full RN staffing is unrealistic. Knowing the principles of delegation remains an essential skill for registered nurses.

1. What are the responsibilities of the professional nurse when delegating tasks to LPN/LVN or NAP?
2. What factors need to be considered when delegating tasks?
3. What is the difference between delegation and assignment?
What type of nursing delivery model is implemented on your assigned clinical unit?

Answer 1

1. The roles of advanced practice nurses (APRN), registered nurses, licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPN/LVN), and nursing assistive personnel (NAP), in the gastroenterology role. Role delineations have been defined by the Society of Gastroenterology
Nurses and Associates, Inc. and are included in this document. Gastroenterology nurses should
adhere to the Standards of Practice, complete the nursing process, and address other nursing
practice issues and concerns.

Licensed Practical/Vocational nurse refers to Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and Licensed Vocational nurse (LVN).
Nursing Assistive Personnel (NAP) refers to individuals who are trained to function in an assistive role in the gastroenterology setting.
Standards of Practice describe a competent level of clinical nursing practice.
Standards of Professional Performance describes a competent level of behavior in the professional role.

2. Factors need to be considered when delegating tasks:

• Planning and implementing nursing interventions
• Providing pre, intra, and post procedure education to the patients, families, significant others, and/or caregivers
• Providing health promotion strategies and education to patients and their support system
• Administering and evaluating pharmacological and other therapeutic treatment regimens mandated by the particular situation, evidence-based practice, and recent advancements in gastroenterology
• Evaluating outcomes of nursing intervention and initiating change when appropriate
• Documenting relevant data in accordance with institutional policy
• Employing strategies to promote a healthy and safe environment
• Making ethical and moral decisions surrounding patient care
• Acknowledging diversity when providing patient care
• Assisting the physician and/or advanced provider during diagnostic and therapeutic procedures to promote optimal patient outcomes
• Promoting optimal patient outcomes by recognizing changes in the patient's health status and responding appropriately
• Performing diagnostic studies as ordered
• Assisting in the management of follow up care
• Collaborating with the patient and interprofessional team to ensure quality and continuity of care
• Communicating effectively with the patient and interprofessional team to ensure quality and continuity of care
• Serving as a patient advocate

3. Assignment: The GI Registered Nurse practices in an environmentally safe and
healthy manner.

• Attains knowledge of environmental health concepts
• Promotes a practice environment that reduces environmental health risks for workers and patients.
• Communicates environmental health risks and exposure reduction strategies to patients families, colleagues, and communities.
• Participates in strategies to promote healthy communities.